Key Takeaways
- Kiana James returned to WWE during a Main Event taping after over a year on the sidelines due to a knee injury.
- James was seen backstage with Giulia during SmackDown, teasing a potential heel alliance on the blue brand.
- Her return adds new depth to the Women’s Division just in time for WWE’s biggest summer event, SummerSlam 2025.
Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown had plenty of headline moments as it built toward SummerSlam, but one of the most buzzworthy developments happened before the show even hit the air. During a taping of WWE Main Event, Kiana James—absent for over a year due to a knee injury—made her official return to the ring.
James faced Michin in a pre-SmackDown bout, marking her first match since mid-2024. It was a low-key but exciting comeback for a superstar once seen as one of WWE’s rising talents.
James Spotted with Giulia During SmackDown Segment
The surprises didn’t end with James’ match. During a backstage segment with Alexa Bliss later in SmackDown, eagle-eyed fans noticed two figures quietly talking in the background—revealed to be none other than Kiana James and Women’s United States Champion Giulia.
Though James was drafted to Raw in 2024, her presence backstage on SmackDown and interaction with Giulia suggests a shift in brand and potentially the formation of a new heel alliance. The subtle tease echoes the debut strategy WWE used for Talla Tonga (Hikuleo), who also appeared in a dark segment before making an official splash at a premium live event
Also read: Warhammer: The Horus Heresy 3.0 Sparks Major Backlash After Unplanned Leak
A Heel Return with Championship Implications?
Kiana James previously excelled as a heel in NXT, and it appears she’s returning with that same edge. Giulia, whose in-ring style and attitude have leaned more heel than babyface in recent weeks, would be a fitting partner in either singles feuds or tag team action.
If WWE pairs them up, fans could soon see a powerful new faction challenging both the singles and tag scenes—particularly with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair re-establishing themselves as fan favorites.
Road to SummerSlam: What’s Next for James?
James originally debuted on Raw in 2024 with a win over Natalya, followed by a brief stint in the Money in the Bank qualifiers before being sidelined by injury. Her April update hinted at a determined rehab journey—and now, she’s poised to impact the Women’s Division once again.
As SummerSlam approaches, expect James to get involved in a storyline sooner rather than later—either backing Giulia or carving her own path.
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